Awards
Nebraska Extension annually awards outstanding and innovative professionals. Anyone can nominate an Extension professional. An awards selection committee reviews the nominations and provides a list of recommendations to the Dean and Director. Awards are announced and distributed during the Nebraska Extension Fall Conference.
Nominations
Anyone can nominate an Extension professional through the nomination form which is due by September 30, 2025. An awards selection committee reviews the nominations and provides a list of recommendations to the Dean and Director. Awards are announced and distributed during the Nebraska Extension Fall Conference.
Nominations are limited to 500 words and are due at the end of business on September 30, 2025. Multiple awards in each category are possible. Select the award titles below to access the respective nomination forms. Please direct questions to Linda Tempel at 402-472-3967 or (ltempel@unl.edu).
Excellence in Extension Award
This award recognizes excellence in Extension. Nominations may be for individuals or teams and should focus on one of the following areas of excellence based on values. Describe how the individual or team nominee has excelled in one of the particular value areas. Team nominees should only include individuals who are making significant contributions.
- Uniquely Local: We are where you are. We are the only team bringing the resources of the University of Nebraska to all 93 Nebraska counties, serving the distinct needs of Nebraskans from all walks of life in every corner of the state.
- Collaborative:: We love working with our fellow Nebraskans. We convene stakeholders, leaders, and experts to co-create solutions that make a positive impact on complex issues facing Nebraskans.
- Relevant: If it's important to you, It's important to us. We leverage the fundamental strengths of Nebraskans and the University to create results that truly matter to lives and livelihoods.
- Accountable: We answer to the Nebraskans we serve. We return Nebraskans' investment in their University directly to their counties and communities, showing proof of performance through transparent reporting.
- Research-based: You can count on us for unbiased information. We provide scientifically sound insight that helps Nebraskans make important decisions with even greater confidence.
- Access and Belonging: We're here to serve all Nebraskans. We honor and respect every person and every interaction, and we actively foster a welcoming culture where accessible, meaningful learning experiences are available to everyone.
- Responsive: We're ready when and where Nebraskans need us. We listen to what's on the minds of Nebraskans and assemble the right teams with the right expertise to address their challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
- Innovative: We're never satisfied with the status quo. We anticipate and embrace change and continually challenge ourselves and our stakeholders to taka a "what if?" and "why not?" approach to problem-solving.
2024 Individual Award Winners
2024 Team Award Winners
Nebraska Extension Little Free Pantry (LFP) Team – Collaborative
Beth Nacke, Kelsey Ryan-Simkins, Brenda Sale, Audra Losey, Natalie Sehi, Kayla Colgrove, Toni Wilson, Mattea Wilson, Alyssandra Nebelsick, Michelle Garwood, Lori Swanson, LaDonna Obermiller, Michelle Kroupa, Brenda Aufdenkamp, Camden Grasmick, Lisa Poppe, Shane Ahrens, Melissa Mracek, Alyssa Wessling
Communities for Kids (C4K) – Collaborative
Jackie Steffen, Jaci Foged, Tasha Wulf, LaDonna Werth, Katie Krause, Ingrid Lindal, Lynn DeVries, Emily Manning, Holly Hatton, Jordan Rasmussen, Jamie Bright, Charlotte Narjes
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) – Inclusive
Zahraa Rida, Tara Dunker, Marusa Jonas, Emily Gratopp
Chester I. Walters "Extra Mile" Award
The Chester I. Walters “Extra Mile” Award recognizes Extension professionals who show evidence of “going beyond the call of duty” in carrying out the responsibilities of their role. Recipients of this award must have a minimum of three years of service with Nebraska Extension.
